Golf hole device

ABSTRACT

A golf hole device having an advertisement printed on the upper surface thereof, wherein the device is placed at the bottom of a standard golf hole cup, thus permitting viewing of the advertisement upon retrieval of a golf ball from the golf hole.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to golf hole devices and, more specifically to a golf hole device used for advertising, wherein a hollow, cylindrical piece having an advertisement on the interior, sits partially inserted into a standard golf hole cup.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is common practice to advertise to target audiences, such as golf players. Advertising tools often utilized to gain the attention of golf players are billboards, flyers, tee box signs, clubhouse banners and special pin flags.

[0003] Each of the aforementioned advertising devices is inherently inefficient and thus disadvantageous, as the advertising devices are not easily interchanged, are distracting, ignored, or littered. For example, a billboard cannot be placed on a golf course because of its distracting and interfering nature, therefore a billboard is unable to effectively reach the target audience, golf players. Additionally, billboard advertisements cannot be quickly interchanged and are therefore inefficient. Another inefficient advertising device are flyers distributed at golf courses. These are often thrown away, not noticed, or littered across the golf course, and therefore are not effective in advertising to the golf player audience. Also, tee box signs or clubhouse signs are disadvantageous golf player audience advertisements because they are distracting to the golf player and a nuisance to the golf course environment. Tee box signs are especially distracting because a golfer requires the utmost concentration at the tee. Lastly, an advertisement upon a pin flag is a disadvantageous golf advertising device. A pin flag advertisement device is also distracting and more importantly is not as easily interchangeable due to the golf hole number printed on it. So each of the above-mentioned disadvantageous devices is not efficient or effective for advertising to golfers. A device located in the golf hole cup more effectively advertises to the golf player audience because of the golfer's focus on the hole.

[0004] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a golf hole device that effectively advertises through its location, interchangeability, and non-distracting placement, to overcome the disadvantages of the prior discussed inefficient advertising methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such a device, by providing a golf hole device having an advertisement printed on the upper surface thereof, wherein the device is placed at the bottom of a standard golf hole cup, thus permitting viewing of the advertisement upon retrieval of a golf ball from the golf hole.

[0006] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a specialized golf hole device having a bowl-shaped disk with an advertisement printed thereon.

[0007] More specifically, the present invention is a golf hole device having a bowl-shaped disk, wherein the disk preferably possesses a centrally positioned flagpole throughhole for accommodation therethrough of a golf flagpole, and wherein water drainage throughholes preferably flank the flagpole throughhole. An advertisement is preferably printed on the upper surface of the disk, such that placement of the disk at the bottom of a conventional golf hole preferably permits viewing of the advertisement by golfers during retrieval of their golf balls therefrom.

[0008] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to advertise to a specific selected audience (i.e. golfers). Only golfers are likely to see the advertisements, which if widely placed will be viewed by many golfers.

[0009] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to be interchanged at anytime with another golf hole device in order that a different advertisement may be placed.

[0010] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to provide an easy method for “running” advertisements for any length of time.

[0011] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to advertise without distractions.

[0012] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to gain the attention of a large group of golfers because every golfer must pick up their ball from the golf hole cup on each hole.

[0013] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to securely stay in place due to the slightly smaller diameter than a standard golf hole cup.

[0014] These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a golf hole device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use.

[0023]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf hole device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is golf hole device 10, wherein device 10 preferably possesses generally bowl-shaped disk 20, wherein disk 20 is preferably formed from a plastic; although other suitable materials could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, metal. Although disk 20 is preferably substantially bowl-shaped, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that disk 20 could be flat and/or possess any other shaped that would facilitate placement of disk 20 into a conventional golf hole cup. Preferably, disk 20 is dimensioned to be received and seated at the bottom of a conventional golf hole cup, as more fully described below. Preferably centrally formed and positioned through disk 20 is flagpole throughhole 22, wherein flagpole throughhole 22 is preferably dimensioned to receive a golf flagpole therethrough when disk 20 is placed within a conventional golf hole cup. Preferably flanking flagpole throughhole 22, are drainage throughholes 24 and 26, wherein drainage throughholes 24 and 26 preferably permit water to drain from disk 20, when disk 20 is placed within a conventional golf hole cup. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that disk 20 could possess any number of drainage throughholes.

[0026] Preferably, upper surface 20 a of disk 20 possesses advertisement 28 printed thereon, wherein advertisement 28 is preferably any desired advertisement. Although advertisement 28 is preferably printed onto upper surface 20 a of disk 20, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that advertisement 20 could be placed upon upper surface 20 a of disk 20 via any suitable means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, embossing, adhesives, painting and/or the like.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, in use, disk 20 is preferably placed through mouth 32 of conventional golf hole cup 30, wherein disk 20 preferably subsequently rests on bottom 34 of golf hole cup 30, such that advertisement 28 is viewable through mouth 32 of golf hole cup 30.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, the present invention in an alternate embodiment is golf hole device 110, wherein device 110 possesses disk 20, wherein disk 20 possesses centrally formed flagpole throughhole 22 and drainage throughholes 24 and 26 flanking flagpole throughhole 22.

[0029] Advertisement 28 is printed on a thin and substantially pliable or flexible overlay 40, wherein overlay 40 possesses a shape and dimension equivalent to that of upper surface 20 a of disk 20, and wherein advertisement 28 is also any desired advertisement. Although advertisement 28 is preferably printed onto overlay 40, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that advertisement 28 could be placed onto overlay 40 via any suitable means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, embossing, adhesives, painting and/or the like.

[0030] Overlay 40 further possesses flagpole throughhole 42 and drainage throughhole 44 and 46, wherein flagpole throughhole 42 and drainage throughholes 44 and 46 align with flagpole throughhole 22 and drainage throughholes 24 and 26, respectively, of disk 20 when overlay 40 is placed onto upper surface 20 a of disk 20. Overlay 40 is secured/attached to upper surface 20 a via any suitable attachment means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glues, epoxies, resins, tape and/or the like. It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that overlay 40 could be secured to upper surface 20 a of disk 20 via the incorporation of a clasping lip formed around the outer peripheral edge of overlay 40, thus permitting overly 40 to clasp over disk 20.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, the present invention is another alternate embodiment is golf hole device 210 generally having a tubular structure 20, wherein tubular structure 220 is hollow having an interior surface 222 and an exterior surface 224. Tubular structure 220 largely defines the golf hole device 210 and extends part-way into a standard golf hole cup 30, as best shown in FIG. 6. Interior surface 222 of cylindrical structure 220 has an advertisement 228 printed or adhered thereon.

[0032] Upon placement of tubular structure 220 into golf hole cup 30, exterior surface 224 of tubular structure 220 abuts inner surface 30a of golf hole cup 30, wherein the diameter of tubular structure 220 is slightly smaller than the diameter of standard golf hole cup 30 as defined by inner surface 30a of golf hole cup 30, thus frictionally securing tubular structure 220 thereagainst and therein, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. Tubular structure 220 is recessed a sufficient depth into golf hole cup 30 such that tubular structure 220 does not protrude past mouth 32 of golf hole cup 30.

[0033] As best illustrated in FIG. 7, it is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that tubular structure 220 of golf hole device 210 could have a lip portion 240 formed around upper peripheral edge 220 a of tubular structure 220, wherein lip portion 240 rests upon mouth edge 32 a of golf hole cup 30, as best illustrated in FIG. 7. Groove 242 is formed in lip portion 240 to facilitate the securing of lip portion 240 of tubular structure 220 to mouth edge 32 a of golf hole cup 30. Alternatively, lip portion 240 could be a separate structure for attachment to tubular structure 220. Additionally, lip portion 240 could be molded as a unitary structure with tubular structure 220, and possess several clips for attachment to mouth edge 32 a of golf hole cup 30.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 8, the present invention in yet another alternate embodiment is golf hole device 310, wherein device 310 is a tubular structure 320 that extends the entire depth of standard golf hole cup 30, wherein tubular structure 320 possesses bottom wall 322. Bottom wall 322 possesses flagpole throughhole 324 for accommodation of a flagpole therethrough, and drainage throughhole 326 and 328 for drainage of accumulated water therethrough. Additionally, bottom wall 322 possesses advertisement 330 printed or adhered or embossed thereon, wherein advertisement 330 is viewed upon retrieval of a golf ball from tubular structure 320.

[0035] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An advertising mechanism for a golf hole cup, said advertising mechanism comprising: at least one member having at least one indicia, said member receivable by the golf hole cup.
 2. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one member is disk-shaped.
 3. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one member possesses a flagpole throughhole for accommodation of a flagpole therethrough when said at least one member is placed into the golf hole cup.
 4. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one member possesses at least one drainage throughhole for drainage of water accumulated therein when said at least one member is placed into the golf hole cup.
 5. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one member is placed at the bottom of the golf hole cup.
 6. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicia is any desired advertisement placed upon said at least one member.
 7. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicia is any desired logo placed upon said at least one member.
 8. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicia is any desired message placed upon said at least one member.
 9. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one member is placed into the golf hole cup such that said least one indicia is upwardly displayed and visible.
 10. The advertising mechanism of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicia is at least one flexible overlay having any desired advertisement placed thereon, said at least one flexible overlay securable to said at least one member.
 11. The advertising mechanism of claim 10, wherein said at least one flexible overlay possesses a flagpole throughhole and at least one drainage throughhole, said flagpole throughhole and said at least one drainage throughhole of said at least one flexible overlay alignable with said flagpole throughhole and said at least one drainage throughhole, respectively, of said at least one member upon securing said at least one overlay to said at least one member.
 12. An advertising mechanism for a golf hole cup, said advertising mechanism comprising: a tubular structure receivable by the golf hole cup; and at least one indicia carried by said tubular structure.
 13. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein said tubular structure has a slightly smaller diameter than the golf hole cup for secure and frictional placement of said tubular structure therein.
 14. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein said tubular structure extends only part-way into the golf hole cup.
 15. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein said at least one indicia is placed on the interior surface of said tubular structure.
 16. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein said at least one indicia is any desired advertisement placed on said tubular structure.
 17. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein said tubular structure extends fully into the golf hole cup
 18. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein a lip portion is carried by said tubular structure, said lip portion having a groove for securing said lip portion over the peripheral edge of the golf hole cup to support said tubular structure therein.
 19. The advertising mechanism of claim 12, wherein said tubular structure has a bottom wall for placement and display of said at least one indicia thereon, said bottom wall having a flagpole throughhole for accommodation of a flagpole therethrough when said tubular structure is placed into the golf hole cup, and wherein said bottom wall further possesses at least one drainage throughhole for drainage of water accumulated therein when said tubular structure is placed into the golf hole cup.
 20. A method of advertising, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining an advertising mechanism, said advertising mechanism comprising: at least one member having at least one indicia, said member receivable by a golf hole cup; and b. placing said at least one member into the golf hole cup such that said at least one indicia is upwardly displayed and visible; and c. viewing said at least one indicia upon retrieval of a golf ball from the golf hole cup. 